Owen and Watkin Williams were different from the other Cardiff ship-owners. They did not rely on the tramp owners’ traditional “coal out, grain home” trade, but also operated a liner service between the U.K. and Mediterranean ports, the Golden Cross Line. Natives of Edern in Caernarfonshire, the brothers obtained most of their crews and much of their capital from this rural community. They were also amongst the pioneers in the use of motor ships, although this contributed to their spectacular downfall. The story of Owen and Watkin Williams’ fascinating career, the ships they owned between 1895 and 1928, the Golden Cross Line and the Company’s rapid growth and even more rapid collapse is told in full with much background information on the ownership, financing and crewing of Cardiff ships. In its 72 pages, The Golden Cross Line also provides complete careers and details of 24 owned or managed ships and is illustrated by 40 photographs.
Authors: Dr David Jenkins
ISBN: 0-905617-61-4
Publication Date: July 1991
Member’s price: £1+p&p (£1.53 UK, £4.00 EU & Rest of the World)
Non-member’s price: £1.50+p&p (£1.53 UK, £4.00 EU & Rest of the World)